Monday, January 28, 2008

Post 123-

My Ideal TV Boyfriend-If only he would walk off the small screen and into my life..


So grandma finally knows the truth, that I didn't forget her knitting purse X-mas gift at home, but that I never finished it. She was cool and understanding, how could she not, I gave her lots of other cool things.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

post 122-

Someone on Ravelry posted a link to this site :http://www.knittingbrain.com/personality.php
It's a cute little quiz that tells you what your knitting personality is, and surprise, surprise I am this:

The Logical Knitter

You approach knitting logically and methodically. You'll enjoy reading knitting reference books and find satisfaction in using the best knitting techniques. You like to understand the logic behind how thing work. You strive for perfection in your finished knitting. Many successful professional knitters fall into this category, in fact many have a scientific background e.g. Stefanie Japel.

Don't let your perfectionism spoil your enjoyment of knitting. Hand knits won't always be perfect, but knitting is a craft where the opportunities for learning are endless. Your logical approach means you can refine knitting patterns and as your knowledge increases you could produce well designed, logical patterns.

Don't be afraid to experiment with colour and pattern, after all knitting can always be unraveled! You may lack confidence in your ability to be more creative. A knitwear design reference book could well give you the boost you need.


I'm kinda bummed, my knitting class at Northwestern is a go this quarter, but the idiots changed the day we like out classes on without asking and so I'll be missing the next 6 weeks of Stitch N Bitch, motherfuckers! If Anne my co-teacher hadn't called to tell me that class was a go, I would never have known because they never contacted me, inept idiots.

Friday, January 25, 2008

121 ʇsod

˙op oʇ unɟ ƃuıɥʇǝɯos ǝq plnoʍ sıɥʇ ǝɹnƃıɟ ı ʎɐs oʇ ƃuıʇsǝɹǝʇuı ʎllɐǝɹ ƃuıɥʇʎuɐ ǝʌɐɥ ʇ,uop puɐ sʇɹos ɐ ɟo ɹǝɥʇɐǝʍ ǝɥʇ ɹǝpun ƃuılǝǝɟ ɯ,ı ǝɔuıs˙ɟlǝs lɐɯɹou ʎɯ ɯoɹɟ ǝpısdn ǝlʇʇıl ɐ ƃuılǝǝɟ ɯ,ı ʎllɐɔısɐq 'ʇɥƃıu ʇsɐl ʇɹnɥ ʎɯɯnʇ ʎɯ puɐ dǝǝls pooƃ ƃuıʇʇǝƃ ʇou ɯ,ı 'ʞǝǝʍ llɐ ʎʞɔı ɐpuıʞ ƃuılǝǝɟ uǝǝq ǝʌ,ı

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Post 120-Sweata Weatha

Score one for me, Bella has a new sweater! Technically the doggie sweater will be my first official Finished Object of the year.



The yarn I used was the perfect choice, I'm really happy with it and even happier I was able to use something from my stash. This is my best dog sweater yet, it's extremely fitted, maybe a little too tight getting on in one area, but I have faith that it will stretch over time, plus, the fitter the fit, the less likely Bella can wiggle and rub her way out of it.




I went with my standard dog sweater pattern, AKA "Make It Up as You Go". So first I start with a swatch, figure out the stitches per inch, measure dog's neck, do some math then cast-on. Depending on style wanted, knit tube in the round in a k2p2 rib until you hit the collar area. When increasing is needed start with a center rib and increase off both sides at same time every other row, keeping with the rib pattern until wide enough to fit over the beginnings of the chest and top of the front legs.




I could continue describing how I make the perfect Italian Greyhound sweater, but that's a trade secret, if you really want to know then I'd have to kill you.

On Ravelry I join the World Yarn Swap group, it's like a one month/one package secret pal exchange. My partner lives in Turkey and wants Harvest colored sock yarn, shhhh, I have the perfect yarn and color picked out. I have one skein in my own stash and need to get one more, or I have the option of stash swapping with Chicken Linda for some good stuff she has, hum, don't know yet, got to take a look at what she has. Swap partner misses American food so in the package will go some Kraft Mac N' Cheese to keep the yarn company, maybe some yarnsnob stitch markers?? and a couple of other goodies perhaps. I can't wait to see what I get!!! A long time ago in another life when I lived in Germany, my parents went to Turkey and Greece on a vacation, they brought home a fur coat for Mom, lots and LOTS of copper and brass stuff and do-dads. Actually, most of the copper pots and pans they bought in Turkey are being used as decoration on top of the cabinets in my kitchen right now!

Shhh, I have another secret, but don't tell Chicken Linda, I bought one of those skeins of yarn I've been fascinated with, the Chocolatier colored sock yarn from Hazel Knits. I know, I know, I wasn't supposed to get it until I finished one of the projects I listed, but hey, I did the dog sweater right? Plus, it won't ship till the middle of next week so I will likely have the other Raisin sock done by then anyway. HEHE

Monday, January 14, 2008

Post 119-My Perogative

So I've changed my mind, Bella's Dog sweater won't be made of the Jitterbug sock yarn I was planning. In my mind I thought the yarn was worsted weight, I don't know what I was thinking, it may not be as fine as Lorna's Laces, but it's still nice and such a pretty colorway. But that's OK, as I was digging through my sock yarn storage cube I came across a yarn I forgot about, some stuff I bought when I went to check out Knitch.



I think I was thinking to making thick house slipper type socks out of it, but it is really perfect for a swearer for the dog, plus it's thicker than sock yarn which means faster to knit, and it's 75% acrylic/25% wool. I know, what was I thinking buying acrylic yarn?

I seriously almost went to Mosaic to get some of the Noro sock, I was thinking about it all day, and then tonight I was so close to buying that chocolate colored yarn, am I crazy. Do I have sock on the brain?

Ok, a deal to myself. When I finish my pair of the Coriolis I can buy one. When I finish to evil Habu paper bag AND the scarf for my sister, I can by the other. That's a great deal, motivated by yarn.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

118-Sock Yarn Obsession

It's all your fault Ravelry, you are my knitting enabler with all those lovely ad banners. I have been very good to contain my yarn lust to just sock yarn. I know myself, if I want it all I will do is think about it, I may not buy it but I will drive myself crazy. So, I allow myself to obsess just about sock yarn just in case I can't control myself, it's a much cheaper thing to buy, right? So tops on the list are the new Noro Sock yarns, I WANT SOME! Yea I heard it's a bit scratchy, but I've come to think of wool socks as sturdy and strong wearing, I would think Noro would fit the bit.



Less than 20 bucks for a ball, enough for a pair.

Finally my love of their colorways are being produced in a yarn I would actually use. I wasn't crazy with the way the Silk Garden after blocking, it became very scratchy. I have high hopes though for my stash of Cash Iroha, it has cashmere in so it must be good right? The closest place that has the Noro sock yarn is Mosaic and it's taking every thing in my power not to drive out there and pick some up. I need more sock yarn like I need another hole in the head, eh? But it's only 20 dollars, enough for a pair, WAHHHHHH!

The other sock yarn I'm obsessing about right now is this luscious chocolate brown divinity that Hazel Knits is selling.



Only 23 bucks for a ball, enough for a pair.

I came across it while reading Wendy Knits' blog and I fell in love. I have a little PMS right now, and when that happens I crave chocolate, I thought the chocolate truffles from Whole Foods would work, but maybe I need chocolate yarn too? While Noro fills my desire of color, Hazel Knits' dye jobs fill my love of semi-solids. I think of it this way, one is for weekend wearing (Noro) and the other for during the week (semi-solid). These two yarns are enough for me to fall off of the no more yarn buying band wagon, I haven't bought any this year. I even went into Loopy during a sale and only came out with a wooden sock mending egg, how about that. I deserve a little reward, I've been during some more work for crazy jewelry lady and she wants me to come over a lot next week to help her organize and work on her database, that alone deserves a trip to etsy!

So late last year I started working with this other sock yarn I had, Jitterbug I think, only to realize it was a thicker gauge than I prefer for my socks, but it's so pretty. I think it would make a lovely sweater for Bella, my Italian Greyhound. In a couple of weeks is her meet-up group and it's a little fashion contest, and she would look so swell in a new sweater.



I'm still debating whether or not to make her a hat, their ears get so cold and it would be a great way to use up some of the moss green super eyelash yarn that I have. Also, it would match the bits of green in the sock yarn for her sweater. Damn, she's a dog, they're supposed to look foolish.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Post 117-Nuttin

Nuttin much going here. I wish I could say I got some knitting done, but nope, nada, not a thing, I spent my day making jewelry for the crazy jewelry lady. If I pop in a movie and get really motivated I might just cast on for the other sock, that would be nice and would help me get over second sockitis, I think my new-found favorite drink might help. I discovered if you take a carton of Organic Banana/Orange/Pineapple juice pour yourself a glass and then add a liberal dose of Bacardi Rum, well, heaven! Almost as good as the drinks my local Cuban restaurant can make. See, aren't I boring today?

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Post 116-Winter, Wheredya Go?

Whoa, that was a close one, I thought for sure Global Warming had gotten us. All the snow melted away and left piles of mushy leaves, packing peanuts and trash, I went outside the other to sweep the walkway in short sleeves, wah??? Thank goodness it's finally gotten cold again and maybe by the weekend it will snow, please let there be quiet whiteness again. The only good thing about this little heat wave is that the heater doesn't go on as much at night (we have it programmed for the low 60's at night) so the cat doesn't have a warm floor grate to sleep on under my bed so she has taken to snuggling with me now.
I finally finished the first Spiraling sock from the New Pathways book, it kinda looks like a shriveled up raisin.



Dip me in chocolate and call me a raisinette.

Now that I've gotten the first one done I hope I'm over the Cat Bordhi Sock learning curve, the next should go by faster. I learned a couple of new things on this project, I really REALLY love this yarn, (I don't mean Trekking XXL in general, but this particular style) I did my first figure 8 cast-on (a bit of a pain in the ass) and my first EZ's sewn bind-off (really nice, my fav so far I think, but it takes FOREVER) I also learned to never start a new project and new technique when under stress. Yes, Linda I made some errors, and no I did not rip them out, so ha!



My best fitting socks to day, snug as a bug.



Slowly and steadily there are improvements in the cat/dog relationship. Just this night Bella was chasing the cat around wanting to play, to bad she's scared the cat so much that Pie isn't sure what's going on. Every once in awhile I test the limits and they are learning.



If they can get along why can't the world?

Monday, January 07, 2008

Post-115 Blahs

I think I would get more knitting done if I wasn't so addicted to my computer and the internet. It seems lately that my mysterious wireless internet source coming from my landlord has been too reliable and all I do is surf, check my e-mail too much and hang out in Ravelry. So sad.
Slowly my spiraling sock is making it's way up my ankle, I know why I like to knit in such a fine gauge, but damn if it don't take forever. As for the the on going quilt project, the second batch of strips have been sewn, all I have to do is iron the seams and go on to the next step, cutting them into pieces.....I'm a little nervous about that part. I miss my grandmother's sewing machine, after using hers I realize mine are cheap noisy pieces of shit. I like, no I love the idea of a fancy machine that purrs but I don't sew all that often, so why start obsessing about it, that's what my knitting is for.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Post 114-Gifted

No not me, well sort of, I was given as a gift again this year. Some really thoughtful person is giving 2 hours of my knitting time to her fiance so he can learn to knit (he's an art teacher), isn't that sweet? I was told once that I had an IQ in the 130's and did so well in my Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery tests in high school that the military kept trying to recruit me, yea right. At one time I was thinking of going into the military because I was an Air Force brat, but whoa, that was a close call. I couldn't imagine myself in the military anymore, I love to knit too much and well, I'm not a republican, though I am very much into my american heritage.

You would think I was a newbie knitter by the way I had a brain fart over turning the heel in the Cat Bordhi sock book, but I figured it out and am working my way up the leg. Lesson to all, do not start a knitting project when held up in a guest room when a much hated relative shows up early during your holiday break. I started knitting the Spiraling Coriolus (sp?) and you do these increases across the top of the foot, or so I thought, I forgot to put the k2tog in before the k1fb, and yet it fits really well, actually these are the best fitting snug socks ever. Once I got past the heel it was easy peasy, you just keep doing the k1fb and I started doing the k2tog before that lined up nicely where the sl1 edge of the heel is so it looks really cool. To accommodate my chunky calf I only do the k2tog every other round so it will slowly and not very noticeably get larger, I hope it works. I'm not sure how high I'll make it but I do want to get it finish asap so I can get started on the second one, avoid single sockitis and once the pair is done, finish my holiday gifts, my bad. :)

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Post 113- Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!



Champagne Cooling in the Snow.


Valerie pointed out that one of the balls on the tree outside had a pretty little ice formation on it and it looked like it had a beard.



I hope 2008 will be a better year for me. I am thankful nothing truly awful happened to me, at least nothing I couldn't handle. I hate that there is so much importance on the "new year" and that all the TV stations do all those lengthy years in review shows. I do not make new year's resolutions, they are bad and when the fail it makes you feel like shit. Instead I like to think about the changes I need to make in my life to make it simpler and happier, but I do not write them down!

I thought I was going to go out to the local Cuban restaurant for festivities, it was close by so stumbling home drunk was the plan, cheap at only 50 smackers, but in the end roomie went out with some friends and I planned on chillin by myself(my family is part hermit). I just barely made it to the grocery store before they closed (at 10), picked up some champagne, pasta, a couple bad romance books and a cheese cake. I was very happy that BF Nora actually managed to make it out and with 10 minutes to spare. So it was fun, it was relaxing, we watched movies, I think I knitted a wee bit, she work on a sequin ornament and we had a jolly slumber party. True to my word I woke up early (at 9:45) got her up off the sofa bed, feed, coffeed-up and out the door by 11:15ish so she made it home and was able to take the parents to their big family brunch that some crazy aunt hosts. See, this was good, I proved to my friends parents that Chicago is not the big bad city, I do not live in a crime infested slum and because she returned home on time as was agreed, she might be able to come out and play again, WEEE! (I guess I should briefly explain that BF lives at home and takes care of the house and her parents who have had many health issues this past year, and she borrowed her da's big bad car which is great in the snow (she lost her car in a crash last year))

It was so nice yesterday and today with the snow, I find it so calming and love the sound of snow falling, it soothes the city I think.



Artsy photo of snow falling at night.

I've been trying my hand at going a little bit more greener, I use those creepy colored new bulbs, recycle, worm compost, and taking a cue from the Yarn Harlot, keep my house cold. It's really easy since roomies bedroom is always hotter and I have the new feather duvet. We keep the house at around 64, I don't know how low that is, but there's definitely a chill in the air but not so cold you can see your breath. I wear sweats under my flannel pj's, a wool hoodie and sheepskin house slippers when around the house. When sitting in the living room I use lots of blankets and have the cat and dog laying all over me. So the other day roomie and I were discussing how cold it was and how we are trying to keep the floor vents from being covered by furniture and pet toys, when I noticed the main reason why it may be so cold in the house.



Number one source for heat blockage, that's one toasty kitty.

I loved my tree this year, I know I've said it before, but it is so pleasant to look at, I wonder how long roomie will tolerate it being up, I feel like testing this out.



Much prettier in person, nice and old fashioned looking, very homey.

It's past midnight now and I want to finish the heel of my new sock, I really love the Trekking XXL yarn, it feels like a real live store bought socks!

Post 113- Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!



Champagne Cooling in the Snow.


Valerie pointed out that one of the balls on the tree outside had a pretty little ice formation on it and it looked like it had a beard.



I hope 2008 will be a better year for me. I am thankful nothing truly awful happened to me, at least nothing I couldn't handle. I hate that there is so much importance on the "new year" and that all the TV stations do all those lengthy years in review shows. I do not make new year's resolutions, they are bad and when the fail it makes you feel like shit. Instead I like to think about the changes I need to make in my life to make it simpler and happier, but I do not write them down!

I thought I was going to go out to the local Cuban restaurant for festivities, it was close by so stumbling home drunk was the plan, cheap at only 50 smackers, but in the end roomie went out with some friends and I planned on chillin by myself(my family is part hermit). I just barely made it to the grocery store before they closed (at 10), picked up some champagne, pasta, a couple bad romance books and a cheese cake. I was very happy that BF Nora actually managed to make it out and with 10 minutes to spare. So it was fun, it was relaxing, we watched movies, I think I knitted a wee bit, she work on a sequin ornament and we had a jolly slumber party. True to my word I woke up early (at 9:45) got her up off the sofa bed, feed, coffeed-up and out the door by 11:15ish so she made it home and was able to take the parents to their big family brunch that some crazy aunt hosts. See, this was good, I proved to my friends parents that Chicago is not the big bad city, I do not live in a crime infested slum and because she returned home on time as was agreed, she might be able to come out and play again, WEEE!

It was so nice yesterday and today with the snow, I find it so calming and love the sound of snow falling, it soothes the city I think.



Artsy photo of snow falling at night.

I've been trying my hand at going a little bit more greener, I use those creepy colored new bulbs, recycle, worm compost, and taking a cue from the Yarn Harlot, keep my house cold. It's really easy since roomies bedroom is always hotter and I have the new feather duvet. We keep the house at around 64, I don't know how low that is, but there's definitely a chill in the air but not so cold you can see your breath. I wear sweats under my flannel pj's, a wool hoodie and sheepskin house slippers when around the house. When sitting in the living room I use lots of blankets and have the cat and dog laying all over me. So the other day roomie and I were discussing how cold it was and how we are trying to keep the floor vents from being covered by furniture and pet toys, when I noticed the main reason why it may be so cold in the house.



Number one source for heat blockage, that's one toasty kitty.

I loved my tree this year, I know I've said it before, but it is so pleasant to look at, I wonder how long roomie will tolerate it being up, I feel like testing this out.



Much prettier in person, nice and old fashioned looking, very homey.

It's past midnight now and I want to finish the heel of my new sock, I really love the Trekking XXL yarn, it feels like a real live store bought socks!